One Gallon Jug Appraisal

Hand-Painted One Gallon Glass Jug

This item is a vintage one-gallon capacity glass jug, repurposed as a folk art decorative piece. The jug is made of dark, amber or black glass and features a small integrated finger loop handle at the neck. The surface is adorned with an original, hand-painted winter landscape scene. This wintry motif includes a rustic watermill with a rotating wheel, several snowy buildings, frozen water, and evergreen trees. The artwork utilizes impasto-like brushstrokes, particularly visible in the white snow drifts and clouds, adding a textured three-dimensional effect. Embossed lettering reading 'ONE GALLON' is visible on the shoulder of the jug, integrated into the glass mold. The painting appears to be signed in the lower right corner, though the signature is difficult to decipher. Regarding condition, there is notable wear including significant paint loss and chipping around the rim and shoulder, along with surface scratches and some fading of the pigment. This item likely dates to the mid-20th century, representing a common practice of decorative upcycling within the American folk art tradition. The craftsmanship of the painting is naive yet charming, making it a unique piece of vernacular art.